Toddlers Everyday Care Potty Training The 10 Best Potty Training Books Get your toddler set up for success By Maya Polton Maya Polton LinkedIn Maya has more than 15 years of experience in digital media and communications and specializes in writing about family, food, and lifestyles. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 18, 2020 Fact checked Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Shereen Lehman, MS Fact checked by Shereen Lehman, MS Shereen Lehman, MS, is a healthcare journalist and fact checker. She has co-authored two books for the popular Dummies Series (as Shereen Jegtvig). Learn about our editorial process Print Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Potty training is a big rite of passage for all children—and their parents. It can be stressful, exciting, rewarding, and sometimes messy. Most experts will agree, it is best to take your child’s lead and to aim to keep the experience as upbeat as possible. While there are many techniques out there, keeping a cool head, a positive attitude, a patient mindset, and a bit of flexibility will help you and your child succeed. Get some helpful advice from these picks for potty training books and say goodbye to diapers forever. Our Top Picks Oh Crap! Potty Training at Amazon Focusing on kids ages 20 to 30 months, this guide provides six steps to successful potty training. Potty Training in 3 Days at Amazon This method requires literally being home and not leaving the house for three days, but is highly effective. Stress-Free Potty Training at Amazon Authors of this book recommend tailoring your approach by first determining your child’s personality. The No-Cry Potty Training Solution at Amazon A potty-readiness quiz promises to help parents find the right time in their child’s development to begin potty training. Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day at Amazon The one-day potty training technique focuses on “Potty Parties” to take the tension and stress away from training. Ready to Go Toilet Time at Amazon Offers training tips for parents in an easy-to-digest format that can be read over and over to kids. Time to Pee! at Amazon With sweet pictures of kids, sign-holding mice, and lots more, this book is a helpful potty training guide for kids. Potty Time with Elmo at Amazon Seven interactive sound buttons bring the story to life through Elmo’s encouraging words, flushing and washing sounds, and more. Everyone Poops at Amazon The humorous and educational book shows how all creatures, including humans, digest their food and then poop. Once Upon A Potty at Amazon The timeless story empowers kids to see and understand the how and why of going to the potty. Oh Crap! Potty Training: Everything Modern Parents Need to Know to Do It Once and Do It Right View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bookdepository.com Written by an acclaimed “potty training expert,” this book combines bathroom techniques combined with humor (as the title suggests). Focusing on kids ages 20 to 30 months, this guide provides six steps to successful potty training. Part of the technique is instilling confidence in the parents to take the lead in the process. If a humorous and “tell it like it is” approach is for you, try this book. The 8 Best Potty Chairs of 2022 Potty Training in 3 Days: The Step-by-Step Plan for a Clean Break from Dirty Diapers View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com If you have the time at home, committing to a three-day strategy might be the right way to go. This method requires staying home for three days which is quite the commitment for families with little ones. While it could work during a snowed-in winter weekend, it may not be realistic for some families. If you plan on using this technique, it’s helpful to read the whole book before the designated three days. That way, you’ll be armed with the supplies, info, and confidence you need to put your plan into practice. Stress-Free Potty Training: A Commonsense Guide to Finding the Right Approach for Your Child View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com For a stress-free approach, the authors of this book recommend tailoring your approach by first determining your child’s personality. A quick quiz in the book will help parents figure out if their toddler is sensitive, stubborn, cautious, impulsive, goal-oriented, or still clinging to diapers. Once that’s established, there are recommended methods and simple strategies for each type of kid. Parents are encouraged to take their child’s lead to develop an approach that works. The 8 Best Parenting Books for Toddlers The No-Cry Potty Training Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Child Say Good-Bye to Diapers View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com Written by a bestselling parenting expert, this book promises a more gentle approach to potty training. With a potty-readiness quiz, the book promises to help parents find the right time in their child’s development to begin potty training. From there, you can create a simple and effective potty plan that will motivate reluctant kids and help those that are ready. This book’s method touts an increase in children’s self-esteem and feelings of independence. There are also suggestions for a useful reward system, which may be helpful for some parents (and toddlers). Tips for Potty Training Boys and Girls Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day: Proven Secrets of the Potty Pro View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com Whether you are intrigued by the idea of one-day potty training or under a deadline (hello preschool requirements!), this book could be worth a shot for some parents. Don’t expect miracles, but the author's positive approach and technique may work for some kids. The book focuses on “potty parties” to take the tension and stress away from the training. It’s recommended that parents read the whole book before beginning the process with their kids. Since it’s just one day, you’ll need to know all the strategies and plans before you begin. Ready to Go Toilet Time Potty Training For Girls View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com This educational book offers training tips for parents in an easy-to-digest format that can be read over and over to kids. The six steps are outlined in the book and are easy for kids to follow. With different books for boys and girls, kids will enjoy the 16 illustrated story pages along with the 48 colorful reward stickers. Time to Pee! View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com Kids and parents will love the familiar humor style of Mo Willems in this potty-focused kids' book. With a positive message and empowering plan, kids are reminded to focus on “that funny feeling.” With sweet pictures of kids, sign-holding mice, and lots more, this book is a helpful guide for kids and can give parents some positive language to talk about the bathroom with their kids. The wisest words may be at the very end: “PS: Don’t worry if you didn’t get it right the first time, you’ll get another chance.” The 10 Best Books for 2-Year-Olds of 2022 Potty Time with Elmo View On Amazon View On Walmart A classic board book with sounds, this best-seller has been enjoyed by over 2.3 million potty-trainers and counting! The friendly character of Elmo is learning how to use the potty and he’s helping his baby doll, David. Together, they will guide your toddler through the adventure. Seven interactive sound buttons will bring the story to life through Elmo’s encouraging words, flushing and washing sounds, and more. For any Elmo fan, this book is sure to be a bathroom companion. The 11 Best Board Books of 2022 Everyone Poops View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com Considered a potty training essential by many parents, the title says it all. This book shows how all creatures, including humans, digest their food and then poop. Kids will find the book humorous and enjoyable. Parents will (hopefully) appreciate the lesson the book is instilling. Reminding kids of the process can help reluctant potty-goers, especially if they are still insisting on diapers to make bowel movements. Once Upon A Potty View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com With versions for girls and boys, you may have read these sweet books when you were a kid and now your potty-training toddler can enjoy them, too. The timeless story empowers kids to see and understand the how and why of going to the potty. For boys, Joshua is there to guide them and girls will meet Prudence. The clear and simple books are well-loved classics for a reason. What to Look for in Potty Training Books Audience Potty training books are geared toward the parents or the kids—and occasionally to both. So, first off, you'll want to decide if you want to get a book to read to your toddler or if you're looking for nitty-gritty toilet training strategies and wisdom that you can put to use. Another option is to get one book to teach you an effective approach and then another to share with your child that will get them acclimated to the toileting process. Steps That Make Sense for You There are tons of books touting different potty training techniques. The key is to find one that resonates with you. So, review the approaches of various books to determine which ones make the most sense to you. Also, consider which techniques may fit best with your child's needs and personality. This screening process works whether the book is for you or your child. Ultimately, you'll want to pick the one that reflects your parenting style best. Timeline It's usually recommended to look for readiness signs in your child before potty training—and to be flexible on timing as needed. That said, sometimes, you have a set timeline in mind. There are many books that promise techniques to potty train your child in a set number of days, such as six, three, or just one day. If a set timeline approach appeals to you, you may want to select a book that is geared toward that goal. Frequently Asked Questions How do I know if my child is ready for potty training? Toilet-training readiness varies among children. Some kids are ready at 18 months, others need until age 3 or later. Look for readiness signs, such as making a face when going to the bathroom, interest in using the potty, and having longer periods of keeping their diaper clean and dry. Consult your child's pediatrician to help you determine the right time to begin potty training. What age is ideal for potty training? The ideal age for potty training varies greatly from child to child. Some kids easily potty train before age 2, while others don't master toileting until after they've turned 4. Most will learn between the ages of 2 and 3. However, setting a rigid timeline may backfire. The key is to understand that toddlers will reach this milestone when they are ready. What is the three-day method for potty training? The three-day method for potty training is just what it sounds: a toilet training technique that takes just three days. While there are several different books on this approach, the main premise is that the parent spends three solid days teaching their child to use the bathroom. This strategies requires a big short-term commitment but may pay off in getting your child potty trained quicker. How long does potty training last? The time potty training takes varies dramatically among children. Some kids can be fully potty trained in one day, others may take weeks or months to be accident-free. How long it takes your child will depend on their unique temperament, physical and emotional development, and any special needs, as well as your approach to toilet training and family dynamic. Tips for Potty Training Kids With Special Needs Why Trust Verywell Family Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She's also the mom of a 10-year-old son, a 6-year-old son, and a 2-year old daughter. Thankfully all three are potty trained. The boys both learned by enjoying “peeing on a tree” in their backyard and her daughter has a quarantine to thank for learning how to use the potty. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 2 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Academy of Pediatrics. Creating a toilet training plan. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to tell when your child is ready.